Surgical Sterilisation Apparatus Automated Fluid Drainage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for sterilizing surgical equipment, such as endoscopes, face issues with spillage and splashing of corrosive sterilization fluids, risk of contamination, inconvenience in handling heavy trays, excessive use of fluids, and lack of automatic control and traceability in sterilization processes.

Innovation Solution

A sterilization apparatus with a base tray and spill compartment, equipped with drain ports and a drain control device featuring a timer and motor to manage exposure time, along with a control device for automatic operation and data logging, minimizing fluid usage and preventing overexposure, while allowing for safe handling and traceability of sterilization cycles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual tipping of trays is used to drain sterilisation fluid, then sterilisation process can be completed, but spillage and splashing of corrosive fluids occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual tray handlingVSAvoidspillage and splashing of sterilisation fluids

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical tipping action with an automated pump system that actively drains the sterilisation fluid through a controlled outlet, eliminating the uncontrolled splashing that occurs during manual tray tipping

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a pump as an intermediary device between the sterilisation fluid and the drainage system, providing controlled transfer of the fluid and preventing direct contact between the user and the corrosive sterilisation agent during the draining process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If large volumes of sterilisation fluid are used to submerge equipment, then complete sterilisation is achieved, but cost and fluid consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilisation effectivenessVSAvoidsterilisation fluid consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the sterilisation process into distinct phases (immersion, exposure, drainage) and controls fluid volume at each stage, allowing complete sterilisation with minimal fluid by maintaining precise liquid levels during the critical exposure phase

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of fluid volume from excessive to controlled and precise, using level sensors and controlled drainage to maintain only the necessary amount of sterilisation fluid in the chamber throughout the process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If exposure time is not automatically controlled, then manual monitoring is required, but precision and consistency of sterilisation time vary

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual time monitoringVSAvoidsterilisation exposure time control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual time monitoring with an automated electronic control system that precisely measures and controls the exposure time, ensuring consistent and accurate sterilisation durations without human intervention or error

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors the sterilisation process parameters including time, temperature, and fluid level, automatically adjusting conditions to maintain precise exposure time and ensure consistent sterilisation results

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Ease of operation

If trays filled with sterilisation fluid and heavy equipment are manually lifted, then equipment can be moved, but physical strain and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual lifting and movingVSAvoidcombined weight of tray, fluid and equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual lifting and moving operations with an automated robotic system that handles the heavy tray, fluid, and equipment, completely eliminating physical strain and safety risks associated with manual handling of heavy loads

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2051744B1Sterilisation apparatus

Publication Date: 2013.12.18 TRISTEL PCL

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a sterilisation and disinfection apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to a sterilisation and disinfection apparatus for surgical equipment. Thus preferred embodiments may have a number of advantages over the prior art which can include: reduced risk of spillage of the sterilisation fluid outside the sterilisation apparatus; reduced risk of contamination of the equipment after sterilisation through inadvertent contact with the equipment by the user; economy of use of the sterilisation fluid; improved convenience of transport and storage of sterilised equipment in the sterilisation apparatus; automatic override procedure to reduce the risk of overexposure of the equipment to the sterilisation fluid if the correct sterilisation cycle is not followed; automatic control of contact time of the equipment with the sterilisation fluid to avoid over processing and resultant damage; and data logging to provide traceability of the previous sterilisation cycles used.